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Review by Beagle October 28, 2004 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
| THIS disc has finally won over this Bartok fan to Schubert also, and has put the D.956 up there in my Top Ten Evers. Enough gushing: the Quintet is in the room with me, the strings are on the instruments, and there's rosin on the strings. But not to worry: unlike the Praga/Prazak SACD of Beethoven opp 74 & 95 which several times gets up "in your face", the Prazakovo stay in their chairs here, and play like wounded lovers. If all recordings were this good, there would be no need for reviews.
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Review by madisonears January 30, 2007 (5 of 5 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Absolutely gorgeous recording and world-class playing of a masterpiece. I have owned quite a few versions of this over the years, and this has become my favorite rendition of the Quintet. The work itself is thoroughly infused with Viennese charm and classical lyricism, by turns whirling with dancing rhythms and cooing with sweet tenderness. I'm sure the ghosts of Wolfgang and Ludwig were either haunting Schubert or smiling upon him while he composed this piece.
This performance is spirited and joyful, yet solemn and imposing when required. The pace of every movement is perfectly judged, inflections are suitably pointed, and intonation and ensemble are marvelous.
The recording is as close to perfection as we can hope to get. The sound is full and airy, with beautifully smooth tonal qualities but real bite to the strings. The frequency spectrum and spatial representation are among the very best I've ever heard.
If the devil wears Prada, he must also listen to Praga, at least this disc! Go like the devil and buy it.
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Review by krisjan February 26, 2006 (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
This is a fine, civilized performance. Tempos are middle of the road and ensemble is really tight. I would have appreciated some more dynamic contrasts but if you have never heard this work you will come away with a deep appreciation for Schuber's artistry - nay, genius! It's a pity his life was cut short; imagine what he may have given had he lived even to Beethoven's age.
The recording itself is beautiful. Very matural string timbres in a slightly resonant acoustic. This was done in a recording studio so I'm unsure if the reverb is natural or added artficially. In any case, it comes off nicely. A winner.
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